Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received a request from the Chinese Embassy seeking permission for another Chinese research vessel to enter Sri Lankan waters early next year.
The latest request comes less than a month after the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 was granted permission to enter Sri Lankan waters, despite security concerns raised by India.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the request had been received but stated that it was still under review.
“The request is yet to be processed,” the spokesperson said.
The Shi Yan 6 conducted marine-related research for two days from October 30 in designated areas off Sri Lanka’s western coast. The research activities were carried out in collaboration with local institutions, including the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) and the University of Ruhuna.
The latest request concerns the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03, which is involved in oceanographic surveys and marine research.
According to vessel-tracking platform MarineTraffic, the vessel was built in 2016 and has a reported draught of 6.1 metres. It is approximately 99.8 metres long and 17.8 metres wide.
The proposed visit is reportedly scheduled from January 5 to February 20 next year. However, the scope and nature of the vessel’s activities are yet to be finalised in consultation with Sri Lankan partner institutions, according to a source familiar with the developments.
The request is currently awaiting review and approval by the relevant Sri Lankan authorities.
